An array of ancient Chinese cultural relics presently stored in the Beijing-based Poly Art Museum will be displayed in Taipei from December 22 to March 21.

Within a week, the national treasures, insured at US$ 58 million, will be transported to Taipei by air in two batches so as to avoid any possible damage.

Exhibits include 35 stone sculptures of Buddha and Bodhisattva from the fifth century to the eighth century, 80 pieces or sets of bronze wares from the Shang Dynasty(16th century - 11th century BC) to the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-997) and five pieces or sets of the Qing Dynasty(1644-1911) artifacts.

Among the 120 relics, the most eye-catching ones are the bronze heads of an ox, monkey and tiger from Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace), which were looted from China 140 years ago by British and French soldiers, and returned to Beijing after the China Poly Group won the bid in a auction held in Hong Kong last spring.

( People's Daily November 19,2001)